How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
There are a variety of options when it comes to double strollers. To help Full Record pick the best one for your family, we consulted the expert in child development and mom Katie Billingsley.
Find a stroller that's relatively easy to fold, push and carry. You should consider a stroller that can fit two infant car seats or a toddler with a riderboard.
Safety
Choose a double-stroller which includes all-terrain wheels as well as a brake that is operated with a hand if you want to keep your kids safe when walking. These brakes and wheels will assist you in navigating trails and gravel without your children falling or rolling. The best double strollers come with plenty of storage space for equipment and essentials for kids like snacks and toys.
The first step in selecting the best double stroller is to know how old your children are and how far apart they are. Most double strollers only accommodate one child seat. However, some do have a variety options that let you choose the seating that is ideal for your family.
Side-by-side doubles are a classic option, and are great for kids of similar ages who like to play with one another. Double-decker designs permit you to place one seat over the other, or attach a riderboard to older siblings. Babies can be placed in a bassinet, which is attached to the frame or as a standalone attachment that offers a peek-a-boo view of your baby. If you have twins or are expecting twins, a dedicated twin stroller is the best way to go.
Look for a double-wheeled stroller that is capable of handling off-road terrain as well as hiking. A lot of these strollers were designed with active parents and their children in mind. They come with features that let you take them on any adventure, no regardless of how challenging or difficult the climbs are.
In double pushchair to all-terrain tires the top double strollers come with thoughtful features that make getting around difficult terrain and weather a lot easier. This jogging stoller for example, has wrist loops so that you can make sure your child is safe when going downhill at a higher speed or in harsh weather conditions. It also features an all-over canopy that has ventilation so your kids stay comfy during the summer heat.
This model is a compact and compact double stroller from Joovy. It weighs less than 23lbs. It's perfect for air travel and storage in overhead compartments or trunks. Additionally, it comes with an enormous storage basket as well as an integrated parking brake that is simple to use.
Seating
Contrary to the giant strollers of old the modern double strollers are sleek and support a variety of configurations to fit families. Some double strollers can be used as side-by-side models while others, such as the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Dual Stroller, can be used as an alternative to car seats, toddlers ' seats and bassinets. They come in a variety of sizes and weight limits to accommodate children from birth to kindergarten.
A quality double stroller should be easy to fold and move and allows you to adjust your handlebar height to ensure you are at ease on all your outings. A well-designed handlebar should be easy to hold, and it should invite you to walk in a proper posture (ask other parents for advice on this). It should offer a variety of storage options to accommodate all the essentials your children will require.
If your twins have a similar age, a tandem stroller could be the ideal option for your family. The seats on these models are positioned together, allowing you to interact with them both and keep an eye on them at the same time. They also recline separately which means that one child can rest while the other is ready to go.
The drawback of a twin stroller can be that it is wider than one designed for a single person. This could make it difficult to navigate narrow aisles in store aisles, doors or the sidewalks. But for certain families, the advantages are worth the extra size and effort.
If you're looking for an ultra-compact double stroller, the UPPAbaby Vista Double is a great choice. The UPPAbaby Vista Double is an excellent choice for urban living due to its shock absorption, sleek design, and ability to accommodate two infant car seats. It also has an optional running board that can be used by older children who are mobile.
Another option is a wagon-style double stroller, such as the Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller. The model is basic however it has plenty of storage space and seating. It also comes with heavy-duty wheels that can handle any terrain. It also comes with a 50+ SPF canopy and adjustable handlebars. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and cannot recline completely flat, making it difficult for children to reach their food trays or get comfortable.
Easy of Use
Double strollers are typically an investment of a significant amount that you will be using for a long time. When you are shopping for one, you want to ensure that it's simple to operate and clean. The best double strollers are designed to be user-friendly and have many convenient features.
For starters, all of the strollers we tested fold easily and compactly (with just one hand!). They are also light and ideal for traveling. A lot of them fit into the majority of trunks and can be checked at the gate on planes. Most of our testers also discovered that their strollers can be folded down to a smaller size than the single seat equivalents. Some even had a carrying strap.
The Valco Snap Duo trend is a double stroller that has many options that can adapt to the needs of your family. This side-by-side stroller can be used with infant car seats, bassinets, and other accessories, which means you can use it from birth to preschool age. Each seat is equipped with a five-point harness and a large canopy that gives plenty of shade from the sun.
The Joovy Twin Roo is another option that's highly regarded. This stroller is lightweight and incredibly compact, measuring just 22 lbs and 26 inches in width when folded. The front seat reclines to nearly the full flat position and the back seat has an adjustable recline for each child. There's a large storage bin and a simple, one-step linked parking brake that makes this stroller extremely user-friendly and easy to maneuver.
The only downsides of the Joovy Twin Roo were minor and specific to this particular model. Kerry notes that the packaging was enjoyable and innovative, but it was also packaged in five boxes which could be trouble to carry around. She also found the Genuis magnetic clasp to be somewhat difficult to use and it took her some time before she could master it. In the end, though she was very pleased with this stroller and would definitely recommend it.
Stores
Strollers are available in various sizes and designs that include tandems (single-file seating) and side-by-side doubles and some that let you customize the configuration using a car seat or bassinet attachment. Some come with rider boards that can be added to accommodate older siblings. However, they're not all created equal -- some are sleek and easy to use, whereas others are heavy, bulky and difficult to fold or stow.
If you're seeking a stroller with a light weight that can hold two kids The Joovy Caboose Graphite is a great option. It was the lightest option in our tests, weighing close to 23 pounds. It is also simple to fold, but it has all the features parents require to enjoy a great time with two kids.
The Vista v2 Double from UPPAbaby is a second model that our testers loved especially for its sleek design and easy to use. It can fit two infant car seats, or a toddler's bassinet and seat without adapters. The rear seat can be removed to make it into a quad or triple stroller. It has a huge storage basket that can be upgraded to include an organizer for parents, all-terrain wheels, and side storage bags.
Billingsley states that the best double stroller for a toddler is one that offers various options for customization, such as the ability to remove a seat or a bassinet. Toddlers are often restricted in their endurance, so strollers with an integrated bassinet can offer a safe spot for them to rest. She says a double stroller should come with a sturdy harness system and recline positions, as well as plenty of storage space for toys and snacks.
The ZOE Twin+ is popular with parents due to its lightness and versatility. It is airline gate-check friendly and fits through the majority of doorways (without taking off the wheels on the front) and can be expanded to a triple or quad stroller by adding an extra tandem. Its near-flat independently reclining seats, extra-long sun canopy and adjustable footrests are further highlights, while its spacious underseat storage basket and inclusion of kid and parent cup holders complete the impressive feature set. Taylor says the one drawback is that it has a large footprint when folded, and it can be difficult for parents to stow.